An airline crate or similar enclosure replicates the natural 'den' all wild canines are born in. Their instincts tell them not to eliminate in the 'den'. They feel safe in the 'den' when sleeping or when the pack is away hunting. Think of your puppy's crate, as it's 'den'. Your puppy should sleep in its 'den', placing the crate adjacent to your bed. Your puppy should sleep in its 'den' while you're away during the day. Never use the crate for punishment.

Sizing the crate properly is very important. If the crate is too big the puppy or dog may feel okay eliminating in a corner of its 'den'. This does not mean having to get a different crate for every growth stage of your dog. You should buy a crate that will fit your dog when it is full-grown. This means they should be able to stand up fully and turn around in the crate as an adult. To make the crate properly sized you can temporarily put boxes in the back of the crate to block off part of it. As the puppy grows change the box size until the puppy properly fits in the crate. Beware of the puppy eating the boxes though. You may want to apply something like Bitter Apple to them to make them less appealing as a chew toy.

Be consistent with trips outside. Always go out the same door. Each time you take your puppy out, lead it to the same place you want it to eliminate. Stand with the puppy and give it a command; 'Hurry up' or 'Go pee'. Praise the puppy when they eliminate and then take them immediately back inside. This is not playtime.

Make a chart of meals and eliminations. It is usually safe to allow the puppy to explore for 2 hours after elimination.

When you are at home and the puppy is outside of the 'den', it must be confined in some way. On a leash tied to the owner or in an area or small room blocked with a gate or door, or in a playpen with the owner present. If you cannot watch it closely, the puppy should be put back in its 'den'. Remember that dogs are social animals and that every effort should be made to minimize confinement from the family.

6 am- the puppy is awake in the crate, let them outside immediately.

Give breakfast for about 15 minutes, watch for signs that the puppy needs to eliminate, then take outside.

When you leave for work or school put the puppy in the crate.

Noon- Let puppy outside to eliminate.

Give lunch for about 15 minutes, watch for signs, and then take outside.

When you go back to work or school put the puppy in the crate.

4-6pm- take puppy out to eliminate.

Give dinner for about 15 minuets, watch for signs, and then take outside.

Evening- This is free time; it is also the time when most accidents occur. Keep the puppy with you or confined at all times.

Signs of the need to eliminate include sniffing, circling and whining. Watch for them after eating, napping and playing. Take your puppy out immediately when you see these signs.

If you catch your puppy in the act of eliminating, a quick 'no' and bringing the puppy outside immediately is all that is necessary.

Never punish your puppy after it has eliminated: Never rub its nose in its urine or stool. The puppy does not know that it is doing something wrong before or even minutes after it has eliminated inappropriately.

How long can you expect your puppy to go without eliminating?